UPDATED: Hoboken Travel Ban Lifted, City Starts Shoveling Snow

The first winter storm of 2016 has arrived and it’s not taking any prisoners.

Nearly a foot of snow fell in some parts of New Jersey on Saturday, as the state endures a blizzard that has shut down NJ Transit trains, caused about 30,000 power outages, flooded roads and made highways impassable.

• See related article: N.J. Storm Updates: Snow Totals, Travel And Power Outage Details As Blizzard Hits

In Hoboken, city officials declared a state of emergency around 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, and warned residents that driving was prohibited except for public safety and essential services (government, utilities, medical personnel).

City officials lifted the travel ban at 7 a.m. on Sunday.

Residents may call the Command Center at 201-239-6644 to report unplowed streets, unshoveled sidewalks, or other non-emergency issues, city officials stated.

Residents should not call the Hoboken Police Department with non-emergency issues; for all emergencies call 911.

“Vehicles parked on snow routes are subject to towing,” city officials added. “Drivers should remain off of snow routes until further notice. Crews are working throughout the storm with 9 municipal trucks and 9 County trucks salting and plowing roads, and 2 power brooms clearing parks and public property. Snow removal is expected to begin along emergency routes following the end of the storm.”

Snow Emergency Routes and No Parking Permitted areas included:

• Washington Street – Both Sides
• Willow Avenue (West Side) – Observer Hwy to 11th St
• 3rd Street (North Side) – Jackson St to River St
• 4th Street (South Side) – River St to Jackson St
• 5th Street (South Side) – Clinton St to Hudson St
• 9th Street (North Side) – Clinton St to Hudson St
• 13th Street (North Side) – Hudson St to Madison St (Snow route + Temporary No Parking Signs posted from Hudson Street to Washington Street and Willow Avenue to Madison Street)
• Observer Highway (Both Sides) (Temporary No Parking signs posted)

SHOVELING DUTIES

“Property owners/occupants are reminded that they have six hours after the completion of a storm to remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property, along with adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts,” Hoboken officials stated in a release.

“Snow and ice must be cleared from gutters a width of 2 feet into the street. It is illegal to shovel snow back into the street or on a fire hydrant. Residents in multi-unit buildings with management companies should ensure that they are aware of City regulations in order to avoid fines. Residents are encouraged to assist elderly or disabled neighbors and to clear snow from fire hydrants.”

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